Initial Examination

Before the time of initial assignment, the employer should provide each employee covered by the medical surveillance program with a medical examination. The exception to this rule is if adequate records show that the employee has been examined in accordance with these procedures within the past 12 months.

The medical exam should include a detailed occupational history that covers the following items:

• Past work exposure to benzene or any other hematological toxins
• A family history of blood disease or disorder, including hematological neoplasms
• A history of blood disease or disorder, including genetic hemoglobin abnormalities, bleeding abnormalities, or abnormal function of formed blood elements
• A history of renal or liver dysfunction
• A history of medicinal drugs that the employee routinely takes
• A history of previous exposure to ionizing radiation
• A history of exposure to bone marrow toxins outside of the current work situation

The initial medical examination should also include a complete physical examination, a complete blood count (including a leukocyte count with differential, a quantitative thrombocyte count, a hemoglobin evaluation, a hematocrit, an erythrocyte count, and erythrocyte indices), and any additional tests as necessary in the opinion of the examining physician.

For all workers required to wear respirators for at least 30 days a year, the initial physical exam should pay special attention to the cardiopulmonary system and should include a pulmonary function test.

To learn more about Benzene Safety visit our Cal/OSHA Benzene Safety Online Training web page.